Northrop Grumman launches tiny FORTITUDE chip

Northrop Grumman introduced its FORTITUDE microelectronics technology on October 2, 2026. The patented multilayer chip processes vast portions of the electromagnetic spectrum on a single gallium nitride unit roughly the size of a grain of rice.

The chip delivers three times more power and 20 times better signal quality than prior solutions. It is designed to support satellites, radar, GPS, electronic warfare, and future 6G communications networks.

Previously known as the Super Lattice Castellated Field Effect Transistor, the technology replaces dozens of individual components. Northrop Grumman manufactures the chip in the United States for both commercial and defense markets to lower weight, reduce power consumption, and simplify system architectures.